KARACHI, Oct 12: The Sindh education department has notified new timings for government colleges throughout the province, from 8.30am to 4pm with an increased duration of period from 45 to 50 minutes.

The principals have also been asked for re-scheduling the time-table in such a way that presence of teachers for maximum time could be ensured.

The decision has been taken to improve the deteriorating standard of education in the province, sources in education department said.

According to them, it has been observed during surprise visits by the officials that teachers come to colleges at exact time of their period and leave immediately after delivering lectures, with the result that only those teachers who have to take classes can be found in colleges. This also encourages students to be absent.

In order to curb this trend, efforts are being made to re- schedule the timings in such a way that periods are arranged with gaps, making teachers’ presence must for a few hours.

The decision has evoked sharp reaction from female teachers who have expressed serious reservation over it. Most teachers say that the decision would not so much effect male teachers, but pose problems to female teachers.

They say it would be unfair to confine female teachers for a long time as most of them, being married, come only after their children go to the schools and they have to be at home before their children return.—PPI